Don’ t you hate it when you spend time and money setting up the perfect bird feeder, only to have a squirrel come clean it out in no time? Not only can squirrels wipe out your birdseed in just minutes, but they can also chew on feeders causing damage beyond repair. So how can you keep those pesky squirrels at bay? Take a look below at 6 ways to keep squirrels out of your bird feeders so you can enjoy many afternoons of watching the birds flock to your feeders instead.

1. Consider a lubricant.
If your bird feeder stands on a yard stake or pole, consider lubricating the pole with cooking oil or grease to make it nice and slippery. This way the squirrel won’t be able to get a decent grip on the pole and will slide back down, hopefully giving up. You may need to reapply lubricant every few days.

2. Place feeders away from branches.
Use yard stakes to hang your feeders or hang them from your home. By avoiding branch placement you make it harder for squirrels to access them. Hanging feeders directly from a tree should always be a avoided, as a squirrel can access them in no time.

3. Keep food off the ground.
Yes it is natural for seed to spill on the ground, but avoid putting food scraps or bread under the feeder. The squirrels will sniff these crumbs out in no time and it will attract their attention to the feeder above. They are also sure to return after finding food there once.

4. Place squirrel feeders in the yard.
A simple station of dried corn is perfect for squirrels. If they know where their own feeders are, they may be less likely to bother the bird feeders. Just be sure to keep the squirrel feeders well stocked so they don’ tend to wander.

5. Try a bird feeder guard.
Amazon has dozens of bird feeder guards, perfect for keeping feeders safe. A guard simply slips on the bottom of the feeder or attaches to the pole the feeder rests on. It creates a barrier between the feeder and the squirrel, making it more of a challenge for the critters to access the seed. Head to Amazon to find a guard that works with your feeder of choice.

6. Try a dab of hot pepper or hot sauce.
Sprinkling a little hot pepper or hot sauce around the base of the feeder can keep squirrels away. Just the smell alone might be enough to scare them. Should they taste it, they are sure to never return. You can also try the various commercial sprays that promise to repel squirrels, if you rather use a more powerful agent to keep them at bay.

Try these tips for keeping squirrels out of your bird feeders, so your birds can dine in peace and you aren’t replacing seeds or feeders week after week! Give these tips a try and see how they work for you!